Amazon has debuted its list of 1,000 playthings, which are highlighted in branded videos and accessed through the e-commerce giant's Alexa voice-activation tool for the first time.

The marketing effectiveness of holiday toy lists isn’t lost on Amazon, which has just revealed its own 2016 holiday picks. Similar to competitors like Toys “R” Us and Target, Amazon’s curated list of more than 1,000 playthings features a cross-section of items in tech, STEM and DIY categories.

Amazon, which will offer daily deals on all holiday toy list products, has deemed tech toys as a strong category for the season, led by mobile app connectivity found in Cozmo by Anki and the Ravensburger Space Hawk Starter Set.

In terms of toys that let kids tap into their creativity, Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing, Poppit Playset Bakery and Scientific Explorer Young Architect City Planner Set are top contenders. And STEM-wise, Osmo Genius Kit, Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar and K’NEX Education STEM Explorations: Swing Ride Building Set lead the field.

Amazon has also introduced videos that highlight the must-have products by various categories, including Top 100, Parent Picks, Kid Picks, STEM Picks. Parents and kids can watch them and shop the featured products on the same page.

And Amazon is making a push for voice-activated shopping for the first time, with the help of Alexa on the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Tap. With more than half a million Prime-eligible toys available to order via Alexa-enabled devices, customers can now purchase all of their gifts entirely by voice activation.

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About The Author

Wendy is Kidscreen’s Associate Editor. When she’s not sourcing material for the brand's daily email newsletter, she’s researching, writing and connecting with others about the newest trends in digital media. Contact Wendy at wgoldman@brunico.com.